2014 NFL Draft Updates That Could Have Serious Impact
By Erik Lambert
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Several events have taken place over the New Years week that could impact the 2014 NFL draft. Here is an overview.
Bill O’Brien to become Houston Texans head coach
The Houston Texans seemed to hone in on their man awfully fast. After some rumors that Lovie Smith could get the job, the focus for the Houston Texans shifted to PennState head coach Bill O’Brien. His work as an offensive coordinator in New England and rescuing of the Nittany Lions following their NCAA sanctions has made him a top option. One other thing it may have done is erase any lingering doubts that the Texans will take a quarterback with the first overall pick. O’Brien should recognize the need immediately and have his pick of whoever he wants once the Texans go on the clock.
Johnny Manziel leads another comeback to win second bowl game
The slate of quarterbacks expected to go in the first round has largely been set for 2014. One lingering question for sophomore Johnny Manziel was how high in the round he could go. Would he come of the board in the top ten or possibly slip to the middle or even late areas? One thing is for sure. He pulled out all the stops to hint at teams that he is more than ready to become a franchise quarterback. Texas A&M fell behind by 21 points to Duke in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Fittingly, Manziel used his array of unique talents to bring them back one more time. By games end he has 455 total yards and five touchdowns. The Aggies won a shootout 52-48. Additionally, he completed over 78% of his passes and did not turn the ball over.
Minnesota Vikings players rip Josh Freeman on work ethic
Christian Ponder partially blamed himself for the firing of Leslie Frazier, which pretty much says it about his status with the Minnesota Vikings. The only lingering question left was the status of their mid-season free agent pickup Josh Freeman. That too came to light when several players on the team openly criticized the quarterback, specifically targeting his effort and work ethic. Word is Freeman regularly showed up late for meetings and never seemed to take the playbook seriously enough. This development likely assures that with the eighth pick in the 2014 NFL draft that the Vikings will go get a quarterback.
Brett Hundley hammers Virginia Tech
Just when people thought he was out of the picture, UCLA sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley thrust his way back into the first round conversation. Rumors have spread that several teams consider him the best, or most talented quarterback in the 2014 class regardless of his relative inexperience. Nobody is certain if he’s going to declare for the pros, but what is certain is that he may have made himself a lot more money if he does. The Bruins signal caller showed all of his versatile ability against Virginia Tech, throwing for 226 yards and two touchdowns while also leading his team in rushing with 161 yards and two more touchdowns. Considering the performance was in a bowl game against the fourth-best defense in college football says all one needs to know about his ability.